GREETINGS FROM A SUNNY CAPE TOWN, This month my news letter is written with a very heavy heart. I will be writing about our wonderful Big 5 animals that are under threat from poachers and hunters from across the world.  Why oh why is this happening to our God given beautiful creatures.  Not only do we face this but also a terrible drought throughout Africa, which of course also includes South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.  I am enclosing a copy of an email I received from one of our Members who has the same feeling many of us have with the regard to the situation we are in at the moment. We thank Peter Hayward for this information from Hayward Luxury Safaris :

  An African summer can cook! Sometimes as summer enters we may be taken by surprise   with a few splatters of enticing rain that nothing responds to – not even the grass. To counter   this newfound seasonal hope, it's not unusual for this first sun of summer to demonstrate   what it’s made of and seemingly radiate the winter bush veld with Nature is quite a thing   if you take careful note. There are over 1’000 head of game roaming around the   Bobbejaansberg Private Nature Reserve that have tasted rain over nine months ago.   Luckily we have a small stream -The Boekenhoutskloof River - that feeds the reserve and   we keep a few select water holes topped up in some of the higher, drier areas within this   hilly sanctuary.   But food (grazing and browsing) at the end of each winter is scarce, very scarce and   the zebra and wildebeest over utilize every inch of this 1’000 hectare reserve. The eland   suffer by the end of winter, as do the warthog and bush pigs and there are losses as   nature takes her toll, but the giraffe, waterbuck, kudu and impala head through this weather catastrophe as if nothing is a problem! Besides this report we also have our farmers in the country in the same position, who have planted all the wheat, corn and also have domestic animals like their cattle, sheep, goats and many fruit trees etc, etc.   We need to give all this some thought and try and save as much water in the cities and towns, which might make a difference to these people living in the large drought areas of South Africa and further afield. A suggestion from my side is that we all try and acquire a water tank for our domestic use at our homes in which ever province we live.  I can remember years ago, all the old people had water tanks, in town and not only on the farms, as we need all the water we can save and it is sad to see all the rain water just running down the many streets and roads into the ocean, or rivers where we could have saved some from our drain pipes.  Maybe our Government will also think this way in the future.

September and October were very busy months for CTC Marketing and also the Travelling Media, as we also had a wonderful visit to Tulbagh in the Western Cape, where we held another Responsible Tourism meeting with the locals in Tulbagh.  This town was rocked nearly to the ground in 1969 by an unexpected earth quake as some of you might have remembered. They have the most Cape Dutch Houses in one street called Church Street, plus their wonderful and interesting Tulbagh Museum and a few Restaurants for lovely local cuisine such as ‘Readers Restaurant’ where we had an amazing Dinner.

They are now doing so well, all the buildings were mostly restored again and the wine farmers are all thriving so well and collecting many accolades for their wines. They have some wonderful Restaurants and many guest houses and self catering facilities.  A visit for a week-end to this lovely small country town is a must as you will enjoy the quietness and friendliness of the locals. Please contact their local tourism office tulbaghinfo@lando.co.za

Some History of Tulbagh: Established in 1795 (laid Out) Settled in 1699 by 14 farmers, the town itself only to develop from 1743. Named after Dutch Cape Colony Governor Ryk Tulbagh. Was previously named Land van Waveren and Roodezand (red sand). Tulbagh is known for its Wine and Olives. Also to be tasted are their dried fruit and handcrafted Belgian chocolates, and also sample a variety of olives and virgin oils. www.tulbagh.net

Ceres their neighbour is known for its many fruits, pears, peaches and wonderful mountains, now also offer a  Zipslide Tour with eight slides totalling 1.4km for the best tour in Africa! This was absolutely amazing and at the end of our network meeting we were offered an adventure with the company.  Even our little wheelchair warrior Damian had to try it. This was the best adventure he had in a long time. www.warrioronwheels.co.za/adventure-serv   (please watch) https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3JCasxdjRg       

They take children with disabilities and their staff are so interested to help and very friendly with the children and even with us oldies.  Even I had to go and really enjoyed it very much.   For more information on Ceres Zipline Contact  info@ceresadventures.co.za Ceres History:  Established in 1849.Municipal Status 1964. Ceres was named after the Roman goddess of Agriculture, Ceres. Regional centre for the surrounding towns of Tulbagh, Prince Albert Hamlet and Wolseley. Major deciduous fruit area.  On 29^th September 1969 a massive earthquake struck without warning. Some people died as a result and many old Cape Dutch buildings were damaged. Winter in Ceres also brings snow on the Matroosberg. Pick cherries at the Klondyke farm.  www.ceres.org

Looking down towards Ceres from the zipslide.

Our visit in the area also took us to Piekenierskloof Resort just outside the valley of Citrusdal know for its citrus fruits, where we had a Responsible Tourism Workshop with all the folk from the West Coast Tourism who brought us many interesting people who delivered various presentations regarding Responsible Tourism. and telling us how they managed their business through responsible tourism.   www.capewestcoast.org

The San Cultural Centre !Khwattu, just outside Cape Town on the R27 route, which was very interesting to listen to. They shared the San spirit/cultural and educational centre a real uplifting tourist destination, plus guided tours. Their Restaurant serves delicious meals, Beach & Nature self catering accommodation, for a weekend breakaway. www.khwattu.org

Marine Dynamics from Gansbaai telling us all about their Shark Cage Diving  and Whale watching projects. They also recently won ‘The World Responsible Tourism Award’ for  Best Destination!  CTC Marketing is very proud of them. All in all it was a very exciting and interesting visit to these lovely small country towns. Here people still have time for you and nothing was too much trouble. So when you decide to have a break, even for a week-end or a holiday do think of visiting the  West Coast area for many surprises, interesting places and wonderful accommodation  you will be able to choose from, at very reasonable rates.   CTC Marketing wish you a wonderful December and Happy Holidays if you are taking your annual leave.  Drive Safely and do visit some of our amazing places here in South Africa. Seasons Greetings from Chris and myself. Warm Regards and God Bless,

P.S.

 When visiting Cape Town during December, remember to visit Richard’s Supper Stage in Sea Point for a night of Cape Culture, Cape Cuisine, Music and laughter. A Special Christmas lunch at 12 Noon and a New Years Evening with many surprises and entertainment. www.richardscapetown.co.za  Mobile: 0747 092 502 for our Bookings.

 Thought of the Day:  Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.Psalm 34:12.13

Corbett Tourism Consulting, Marketing and Tours P.O. Box 11535, Bloubergrant, 7443 Cape Town, South Africa   Mobile: +27 (0) 747 092 502 / 073 1409 700 elainecorbett@ctcmarketing.co.za